Hearing protection device with integrated audiometric testing

ABSTRACT

A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related as a non-provisional of and claims benefitunder 35 §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/368,446entitled “Hearing Protection Device with Integrated Audiometric Testing”and filed Jul. 28, 2010, which is assigned to the Assignee of thepresent application and hereby incorporated by reference as ifreproduced in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

FIELD

Disclosed embodiments relate generally to improved hearing protection,and more specifically to safety hearing protection devices to be worn inloud, potentially damaging environments and that serve to both protectthe user's hearing from damage and to test the user's hearing todetermine hearing threshold and/or to allow for an initial assessment todetect potential hearing loss.

BACKGROUND

In many industrial settings, workers are routinely exposed topotentially damaging noise environments during their workday. The issueof potential hearing damage often arises in manufacturing and otherindustrial facilities, but may also arise in military settings, airportsettings, and other work environments that involve potentially damagingnoise exposure. There is a need to both protect against hearing damageand also to monitor workers' hearing to determine if there has been anysignificant hearing loss due to environmental noise. Hearing protectionand hearing monitoring may work synergistically together to provideimproved hearing protection, since the ability to monitor for hearingloss allows for better evaluation of the effectiveness of the hearingprotection and allows for corrective action to be taken at an earlystage (which may limit permanent hearing loss, possibly by allowingaction at the first signs of temporary hearing loss). Examples ofcorrective action could include modifying and/or supplementing hearingprotection, reducing time in the noise environment, and/or removing theworker from the noise environment, by way of non-exclusive example.

To be effective for this purpose, embodiments of the present inventionmay offer both hearing protection and hearing testing, and may provideregular hearing testing in a way that is not burdensome or time or laborintensive. Rather, it offers a convenient approach that may easily beintegrated into the standard workday without any significant disruptionto routine. Providing an integrated hearing test within safety hearingprotection that workers will wear anyway (for example, for OSHAcompliance) may also allow for self-administered audiometric testingthat may be run independent of location. The convenience of this type ofintegrated design makes regular, frequent audiometric testing easier toperform, and by increasing the frequency of such testing, may ultimatelyresult in improved hearing protection.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure includes a device which may comprise: asealing section or hearing protection device (for providing soundattenuation to protect a user's ears from potentially damaging externalsounds); a sound generation means (such as a speaker) operable to andcapable of producing sound stimuli at various frequencies and soundpressure levels; and an electronics unit configured to be operable toand capable of generating one or more test signals directed to the soundgenerator means in order to cause generation of sound stimuli for anaudiometric test, and typically having a user interface (for controllingthe test and receiving user responses), a memory for storing responsesand/or test results, and optionally an interface for uploading testresults to an external computer system. In an embodiment, theelectronics unit may be configured/programmed to be operable toadminister an audiometric test by implementing a testprotocol/procedure, and the electronics unit may optionally include amemory for storing the test protocol. Rather than test the entire rangeof hearing to produce a full audiometric profile, the test protocol ofan embodiment may be directed towards a partial profile, which onlytests a smaller subset of specific frequencies. By way of example, thepartial profile may test frequencies in a range from 3-6 kHz, and in anembodiment, may for example test only 3 kHz, 4 kHz, and 6 kHz (in anattempt to provide an initial, quick assessment or screening ofpotential hearing damage). Additionally, in an embodiment, the partialprofile may be tested over a series of partial test sessions, with eachtest session testing only a portion of the frequencies included in theprofile. In an embodiment, the partial test session would tend to beshort, typically allowing for completion of the test session in lessthan about 30 seconds (thereby allowing for frequent testing withoutunduly interfering with other activities, such as work schedule). In oneembodiment, each test session might test only one ear for a singlefrequency. If hearing loss is detected by the audiometric test, thedevice may warn the user, indicating a threshold shift. By way ofexample, the electronics unit could transmit a signal to the soundgeneration means to generate an audible warning. Alternatively, theelectronics unit might include a warning light or other warningmechanism to notify the user if hearing loss is detected.

In an embodiment, testing each ear for a specific frequency would be aniterative process that hones-in on the user's hearing threshold (basedon a plurality of test sound stimuli responses). For each frequency, aseries of test sound stimuli would be generated by the sound generatormeans at varying sound pressure levels. The user would respond (byactivating the user interface, for example) to register a positiveresponse (indicating that the sound was heard), or if the user does notrespond within a pre-set timeframe (typically between 1 and 5 seconds)the electronics unit would register a negative response (indicating thatthe user is unable to hear that frequency at that sound pressure level).Typically, the iterative series of sound stimuli would be altered basedon the user's responses. In one embodiment, the user's hearing thresholdmight be determined using a statistical model (such as the psychometricfunction) describing the probability for a positive user response as afunction of the stimulus level. The psychometric function tends to havea sigmoid characteristic, shaped such that it approaches 0 (or perhaps avalue higher than zero, if false positives are considered) for very lowstimulus levels and 1 for very high stimulus levels. In relation to thisfunction, the hearing threshold would typically be defined as thestimulus level that corresponds to 50% probability of a positive userresponse. In an embodiment, the psychometric function has a pre-setshape, but its displacement along the x-axis (the stimulus level axis)may be unknown prior to the audiometric test. In one embodiment, itsdisplacement along the x-axis may be determined during the test based onthe Maximum Likelihood principle, such that after any given number ofstimulus-response pairs, the probability that the statistical modelcould have generated the observed data (stimulus-response pairs) ismaximized. In one embodiment, the next stimulus level is selected suchthat is coincides with the present hearing threshold level estimate. Fora positive response the next sound stimulus would typically then bebelow the previous sound stimulus level, and for a negative response thenext sound stimulus would typically be above the previous sound stimuluslevel. It is an inherent property of such a statistical method that,with an increasing number of observed stimulus-response pairs, thedeviation between succeeding stimulus levels will typically becomesmaller. The method therefore allows for honing-in on the hearingthreshold with added precision. In one embodiment, the initial soundstimulus might be set at a fairly high sound pressure level (which mightbe a pre-set number, or might be based on the user's assumed hearingthreshold based on pre-existing information) in order to get the user'sattention (although optionally, the initial sound stimulus could be setat any sound pressure level, and could alternatively proceed upward froma low sound pressure level, for example). The iterative series of tests(i.e. sound stimuli) would typically proceed until a stop conditionoccurs. In an embodiment, the stop condition may be a pre-set number ofiterations (typically between 5 and 10). In another embodiment, the stopcondition could be a difference between succeeding stimulus levels thatis sufficiently small (such as less than 2 dB). In an embodiment, eachtest session would test only a single ear for a single frequency, andthe electronics unit would cycle through a series of test sessions (eachwith a different frequency and/or ear) in order to test the entire rangeof the audiometric profile according to the test protocol. In otherwords, the profile would be generated by compiling the series of testsessions, and then the series might start again (to begin gathering datafor the next profile in time).

Alternative (non-statistical) iterative testing procedures might alsoexist. For example, rather than utilizing a statistical model,embodiments of the test could generate an iterative series of soundstimuli that would be altered based on the user's responses using apattern of incremental changes. For example, staircase methods or aBekesy tracking method could be used to determine the user's hearingthreshold. So for an exemplary embodiment using a staircase method, fora positive response the next sound stimulus would be set at an increment(step) below the previous sound stimulus level (i.e. the next soundstimulus would be determined by subtracting an increment/step from themost recently used sound stimulus level—the one that the responserelates to), and for a negative response the next sound stimulus wouldbe set at an increment (step) above the previous sound stimulus level(i.e. the) next sound stimulus would be determined by adding anincrement/step to the most recently used sound stimulus level—the onethat the response relates to). In an embodiment, the incremental changein descending runs (caused by positive responses to stimuli) might betwice that of the incremental change in ascending runs (caused bynegative responses to stimuli). So in one embodiment, for example, thesteps in descending runs might be 10 dB, while the steps in ascendingruns might be 5 dB. In one embodiment, the initial sound stimulus mightbe set at a fairly high sound pressure level (which might be a pre-setnumber, or might be based on the user's assumed hearing threshold basedon pre-existing information) in order to get the user's attention(although optionally, the initial sound stimulus could be set at anysound pressure level, and could proceed upward from a low sound pressurelevel, for example). The iterative series of tests (i.e. sound stimuli)would typically proceed until a stop condition occurs. In an embodiment,the stop condition may be a pre-set number of iterations (typicallybetween 5 and 10). In another embodiment, the stop condition could bethat a pre-set number of turning points (typically six to eight) betweenruns has been reached. In an embodiment, each test session would testonly a single ear for a single frequency, and the electronics unit wouldcycle through a series of test sessions (each with a different frequencyor ear) in order to test the entire range of the audiometric profileaccording to the test protocol. In other words, the profile would begenerated by compiling the series of test sessions, and then the seriesmight start again (to begin gathering data for the next profile intime).

In another embodiment, the device might further comprise a microphonefor detecting sound levels in the ear canal (near the eardrum) under thesealing element. This would allow for noise exposure levels to bedetermined and recorded. In an embodiment, the electronics unit couldthen warn the user of exposure to potentially damaging noise levels(despite the hearing protection offered by the device), allowing theuser to initiate a test to check for any hearing damage. Alternatively,the electronics unit could automatically administer a test based on thewarning. Indeed, in some embodiments the electronics unit could selectspecific frequencies to test based on detected noise exposure levels. Inanother embodiment, the noise level could be used to determine whetherconditions are adequate for audiometric testing, or whether thebackground noise levels are too high for accurate testing. Theelectronics unit might warn the user of excessive background noise, oralternatively could prevent initiation of a test session until thebackground noise is reduced to acceptable levels.

In another aspect, the disclosure includes a method of preliminarilyscreening for hearing loss in the workplace (without removing hearingprotection being worn to protect against noise exposure in theworkplace, using a hearing protection device with integrated audiometrictesting) without unduly interfering with work schedule, comprising thesteps of: sealing the user's ear canal (by applying a hearing protectiondevice to protect the user from potentially damaging external noise)while the user is in an environment with potential noise exposure (suchthat the sealing lasts substantially as long as the potential forexternal noise exposure, for example the duration of a shift);activating an audiometric test without removing the hearing protectiondevice; and determining an estimated hearing threshold based on theaudiometric test, wherein the hearing protection is worn by the user fora period of time that is greater than the duration of the audiometrictest session. In an embodiment, the audiometric test is a partialprofile (testing only a portion of the audiometric profile to bedetermined according to the test protocol), and a series of partial testsessions are run (typically with only one session per shift or day, eachtesting only a portion of the profile) and compiled over time todetermine the user's estimated audiometric profile (which may be apartial profile). In an embodiment, the hearing protection device isworn by the user for the duration of exposure to an environment ofpotential noise (such that the duration of hearing protection issignificantly longer than the duration of the audiometric test session).

In another embodiment, the noise level is measured and/or recorded.Optionally, the measured noise level may then be used to determine ifconditions are appropriate for an audiometric test (i.e. checking toensure that the background noise level is not too high for effectivetesting). The measured noise level might also be used to initiate anaudiometric test (if the noise level was sufficiently high to indicatepossible hearing damage). This measure noise level might also be used toselect specific frequencies to test. In yet another embodiment, thequality of the seal provided by the hearing protection device ischecked. In another embodiment, the audiometric test comprisesgeneration of a series of sound stimuli, registering/recording userresponses, and analyzing the responses to determine an estimated hearingthreshold. In an embodiment, the series of sound stimuli are iterativelyadjusted based on the user responses to hone-in on the hearingthreshold. In yet another embodiment, additional sound attenuation (suchas active noise reduction and/or passive noise reduction earmuffs overan earplug-type hearing protection device) may be used and/or the usermay change locations (to a location with less background noise) toprovide conditions favorable to testing.

Another embodiment might include pre-testing of the user's hearing(typically using a detailed audiometric test performed by trainedaudiologists) to provide a benchmark for analysis of hearing damage. Inanother embodiment, the test results (such as estimated hearingthreshold) would be uploaded to an external computer, allowing foranalysis of potential hearing loss (by looking for changes to thehearing threshold over time, typically by comparing the currentestimated hearing threshold to previous results). If this preliminaryscreening indicates possible hearing damage, then in an embodiment theuser might undergo more thorough audiometric testing. In anotherembodiment, the user might be warned.

In another aspect, the disclosure includes a method for protecting auser's hearing during a work shift and performing a quick screening forpotential hearing loss without unduly interfering with work using ahearing protection device with integrated audiometric testing,comprising: employing the hearing protection device (during the durationof the work shift to protect the user from a potentially damaging noiseenvironment); transmitting a series of sound stimuli into the user's earcanal (via a speaker in the hearing protection device) while the hearingprotection device is employed (and the user's ear canal is sealed);registering/recording user responses to each of the sound stimuli (viaan electronics unit with an interface), and analyzing the user responsesto determine an estimated hearing threshold, wherein the hearingprotection device is employed for a duration that substantially exceedsthe series of sound stimuli. In an embodiment, the series of soundstimuli are incrementally adjusted based on user responses in order tohone-in on the hearing threshold. In another embodiment, the series ofsound stimuli are each separated by a pause; and the duration of thepause is a standardized minimum following a negative user response, butthe duration of the pause includes a randomized amount or segment,typically between about 0-3 seconds, in addition to the standardizedminimum amount following a positive user response (such that the pausefollowing a positive user response is a randomized amount that is equalto or greater than the standardized minimum, often between about 2 andabout 5 seconds in overall duration for example).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and forfurther details and advantages thereof, reference is now made to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an earplug hearingprotection device (HPD) with integrated audiometric testing, having anexternal electronics unit;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an all-in-ear earplugHPD;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of another embodiment of an all-in-earearplug HPD;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a flanged earplug HPDwith external electronics unit;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an all-in-ear flangedearplug HPD;

FIG. 6 is a view of an embodiment of an earmuff HPD with externalelectronics unit;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an embodiment of an audiometric testing protocolusing the psychometric function;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of an iterative test process fordetermining the estimated hearing threshold using the psychometricfunction;

FIG. 9 illustrates art exemplary psychometric function;

FIG. 10 illustrates several exemplary curves showing translation ordisplacement of the psychometric function on the x-axis in an exemplaryiterative process;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of an embodiment of a non-statistical iterativeaudiometric testing protocol;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an embodiment of an iterative test process usingshrinking increments;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of an embodiment of a procedure for detectinginattention and correcting the estimated hearing threshold;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an ear-piece withtalk-through capabilities;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an all-in-ear earpiece;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an embodiment of an electric circuit capable ofimplementing audiometric testing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout theapplication:

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should beinterpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and thelike generally mean that the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic following the phrase may be included in at least oneembodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more thanone embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,”it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example; and

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”“could,” “should,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,”“for example,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or has acharacteristic, that particular component or feature is not required tobe included or to have the characteristic.

Disclosed embodiments comprise a hearing protection device with anaudiometric testing apparatus. Any sort of hearing protection devicecould be employed with the disclosed embodiments. By way of example, thehearing protection device could be an earplug, an ear muff, or any othermeans of sealing a user's ear to prevent sound from reaching theeardrum. Additionally, the type of hearing protection employed could beactive (such as active noise cancellation), passive (such as soundattenuating materials), or some combination of the two techniques, byway of example. And the audiometric testing apparatus typically mightinclude a sound generator (such as a speaker, for example, typicallycapable of generating sounds over at least a portion of the frequencyrange of human hearing) for projecting sound stimulus into the user'sear canal at various frequencies, an electronics unit that runs theaudiometric test (generating one or more signals to the sound generatorto implement the test and/or storing test results), and a user interface(that allows the user to interact with the electronics unit during theaudiometric test). Typically, some or all of the elements of theaudiometric testing apparatus would be housed within the hearingprotection device, providing an integrated unit that allows foraudiometric testing while the hearing protection device is in placeprotecting the user from potentially harmful external noise exposure.

FIGS. 1-6 show several different embodiment of hearing protectiondevices with integrated audiometric testing. As the examples in thesefigures show, there are a variety of variants of the inventive concepts.FIGS. 1-2, for example, illustrate embodiments having a roll-down typeearplug as the hearing protection device, while FIGS. 4-5 illustrateembodiments having a flanged-type earplug hearing protection device(typically providing press-in insertion). FIG. 6 does not use earplugsat all, but rather has an earmuff hearing protection device. Also, FIGS.1, 4, and 6, for example, have an electronics unit that is external tothe hearing protection device (with the user interface integrated intothe electronics unit and with the sound generator located within thehearing protection device). In FIG. 1, the user interface is a buttonlocated on the electronics unit (although alternatively the userinterface could be a microphone as shown in FIG. 4 to allow for voiceactivation, a separate user interface unit that communicates with theelectronics unit, or any other sort of interface configuration). Whilethese figures show a wire connection between the electronics unit andthe sound generator in the hearing protection device, the interfacecould alternatively be wireless (such as RF), optical (such as IR), orany other means of electronic communication. FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, on theother hand, provide examples in which the audiometric testing apparatusis substantially contained within the hearing protection device (toprovide an integrated in-ear device). And some embodiments, such asFIGS. 2-5, have a sound tube or channel through the earplug, allowingthe sound generator access to the user's meatus when the earplug is inplace in the user's ear (so that the sound generator may generate asound field in the user's ear canal/meatus). And depending on thelocation of the sound generator (within the hearing protection deviceand with respect to the electronics unit of the audiometric testingapparatus), there may be a wire and/or cable connecting the soundgenerator to the electronics unit and/or running through a portion ofthe length of the earplug. The device could be an earplug-based hearingprotection device with electronics in a separate unit, an earplug-basedhearing protection device with miniaturized electronics in the earplugor at the ear, an earplug-based hearing protection device withelectronics located behind the ear, an over-the-ear (earmuff) hearingprotection device with built-in electronics, or an over-the-ear hearingprotection device with electronics in a separate unit, by way ofnon-exclusive example. So it should be apparent from this disclosurethat the present inventive concepts may be implemented in a variety ofways that include a hearing protection device and an audiometric testingapparatus.

The audiometric testing apparatus may be designed to test the hearing ofthe user, thereby determining the user's hearing threshold. Typically,the electronics unit would comprise a computer processorprogrammed/configured to run one or more audiometric test protocols,generating appropriate signals to cause the sound generator to generateone or more sound stimulus in the user's meatus in accordance with theprogrammed test protocols. The audiometric test regimen could be a fulltest designed to generate a complete audiometric profile of the user(for example, testing a series of frequencies across the range of humanhearing, such as 100 Hz to 8 kHz for example), or it could be a partialtest profile of only a portion of the hearing range (such as 3-6 kHz,for example, which tends to be the range in which damage is most likelyto occur from exposure to noisy environments). Indeed, a partial testprofile could even be targeted towards the specific frequencies ofconcern at a particular worksite environment (such that the audiometrictest could be customized for the specific noise environment at issue,possibly based on previously measured noise levels).

Also, each test session could be only a portion of the completeaudiometric test protocol regimen (i.e. a portion of the audiometricprofile being tested), with a different portion of the audiometric testregimen being run each test session so that over time a series of testsessions can generate an entire audiometric test profile (which may be apartial test of only designated frequency ranges or a full test acrossthe complete frequency range of human hearing). In a preferredembodiment, the audiometric testing apparatus would implement pattern ofpartial tests that, when collated over time (i.e. a series of testsessions), would result in an audiometric profile of the user within therange of likely damage (typically from 3-6 kHz). It is even possiblethat each test session could test only a single ear at a singlefrequency (such that again, an audiometric profile could be built upover a series of test sessions). In the preferred embodiment, each testsession (implementing a partial test) would be brief (so that it couldbe convenient and would not unduly affect the workday), typicallylasting no more than about 30 seconds. In this embodiment, theaudiometric testing apparatus would test one or more frequencies in oneor more ears of the user to determine the hearing threshold for thetested frequency each session, and would remember which frequencies totest in which ears in the succeeding sessions to allow for build-up ofan audiometric profile for the test range.

In one specific embodiment, each test session might only test a singleear at a single frequency, and a series of test sessions could constructa partial audiometric profile by testing each ear at 3 kHz, 4 kHz, and 6kHz. In this way, a series of six such test sessions could be combinedto allow for construction of a partial audiometric profile of the user.By tracking changes to this audiometric profile over time (as additionalseries of test sessions are run and analyzed), it may be possible todetect changes in the user's hearing threshold that might indicatepotential hearing damage. By implementing regular, periodic testing, thehope would be to detect any hearing loss early, in order to have theability to take steps to reduce noise exposure and prevent or minimizepermanent hearing loss. Also, this type of short, informal testing(designed to allow for self-testing to approximate the hearingthreshold), while less precise than full audiometric testing, is soconvenient that it may be carried out regularly without undulyinterfering with a typical work schedule, thus serving as a screeningtool to identify candidates of potential hearing loss who may then bedirected to more thorough audiometric testing (of the sort carried outby audiology experts in controlled conditions, for example). Fullaudiometric testing is quite time intensive, so the use of apre-screening approach may enable more efficient monitoring and testing.

A variety of audiometric test protocols could be implemented by theelectronics unit. Typically, for each frequency being tested, theestimated hearing threshold would be determined by iteratively honing-inon the lowest sound pressure level that a user may be likely to hear. Aplurality of test sound stimuli would typically be used, with the user'sresponses (indicating whether the sound stimuli were heard or not) beingused to determine the succeeding test sound stimuli sound pressurelevel.

In one embodiment, a statistical modeling approach could be used tohone-in on the user's estimated (probable) hearing threshold. Thestatistical model would typically use the user's responses to determinethe succeeding test sound stimulus level and/or to refine theprobability that a particular sound pressure level would be the hearingthreshold. This technique might employ a type of curve fitting, in whichthe model determines the user's estimated hearing threshold based oneffectively fitting a curve to the user's responses. One example of sucha statistical approach might use the psychometric function. So in oneembodiment, the user's hearing threshold would be determined using astatistical model like the psychometric function that describes theprobability for a positive user response as a function of the stimuluslevel. The psychometric function defines a curve that has a sigmoidcharacteristic, shaped such that it approaches 0 for very low stimuluslevels and 1 for very high stimulus levels. Thus, the psychometricfunction might be used to model the probability for a positive userresponse as a function of the stimulus level. FIG. 9 illustrates anexemplary generic psychometric function curve. It should be understoodthat the psychometric function is merely one example of an acceptablestatistical model that could be used to estimate the probability for apositive (or negative) user response as a function of the stimuluslevel, and that other mathematical models could alternatively be used.

The psychometric function typically is a single mathematical formulathat has a parameter that effectively determines the displacement of thecurve along the stimulus axis (typically defined as the x-axis). Thus,the psychometric function could be thought of as a series of relatedcurves with varying displacement with respect to the stimulus axis (seefor example FIG. 10). The psychometric function models the probabilityfor a positive response at various sound stimulus levels (with theprobability approaching zero percent at low sound stimulus levels andthe probability approaching one hundred percent at high sound stimuluslevels). In relation to this function, the hearing threshold wouldtypically be defined as the stimulus level that corresponds to 50%probability of a positive user response (which typically corresponds tohalf-way up the probability y-axis). The psychometric function typicallyhas a pre-set shape, but its displacement along the x-axis (the stimuluslevel axis) may be unknown prior to the audiometric test. Thedisplacement along the x-axis would then typically be determined basedon the user's responses during audiometric testing, with user responsesbeing used to update the probability rating for different hypotheses(curve displacements) in order to iteratively hone-in on the most likelyhypothesis (and thus the most likely hearing threshold) based on thetest data. In one embodiment, displacement along the x-axis may bedetermined during the test based on the Maximum Likelihood principle,such that after any given number of stimulus-response pairs, theprobability that the statistical model could have generated the observeddata (stimulus-response pairs) is maximized. Alternatively, a Maximum APriori principle could be used to find the most probable model given thedata. In one embodiment, the next stimulus level would be selected suchthat it coincides with the present hearing threshold level estimate(Which would typically correspond to 50% probability of a positive userresponse (half-way up the y-axis) for the hypothesis with the highestprobability based on current data). For a positive response the nextsound stimulus would typically then be below the previous sound stimuluslevel, and for a negative response the next sound stimulus wouldtypically be above the previous sound stimulus level based on thestatistical modeling principles. It is an inherent property of such astatistical method that, with an increasing number of observedstimulus-response pairs, the deviation between succeeding stimuluslevels will typically become smaller. The method therefore allows foriterative honing-in on the hearing threshold with added precision.

In one embodiment, the initial sound stimulus might be set at a fairlyhigh sound pressure level (which might be a pre-set number, or might bebased on the user's assumed hearing threshold based on pre-existinginformation) in order to get the user's attention (although optionally,the initial sound stimulus could be set at any sound pressure level, andcould proceed upward from a low sound pressure level, for example). Theiterative series of tests (i.e. sound stimuli) would typically proceeduntil a stop condition occurs. In an embodiment, the stop condition maybe a pre-set number of iterations (typically between 5 and 10). Inanother embodiment, the stop condition could be a difference betweensucceeding stimulus levels that is sufficiently small (such as less than2 dB). In an embodiment, each test session would test only a single earfor a single frequency, and the electronics unit would cycle through aseries of test sessions (each with a different frequency and/or ear) inorder to test the entire range of the audiometric profile according tothe test protocol. In other words, the profile would be generated bycompiling the series of test sessions, and then the series might startagain (to begin gathering data for the next profile in time).

The following example of such a process using the psychometric functionmay be helpful in understanding how it may generate an estimated hearingthreshold. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary maximum a priori approach,while FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary iterative process for determiningthe user's estimated hearing threshold using the psychometric function.This exemplary model uses prior information to initialize theprobabilities of the various hypotheses in the psychometric function,with a window of −5 dB to +25 dB and a resolution of 1 dB betweenhypotheses. The hypotheses within the window (i.e. from −5 dB below thelevel provided by the prior information to +25 dB above the a priorilevel) are all initialized to the same level or score, with an identicalprobability score being set for all psychometric function hypotheses inthe selected window. While these hypotheses could be set to any positivenumber, typically they would be initialized to 1. The initial soundstimulus level would typically be set at the top end of the window (i.e.+25 dB above the a priori level), in an attempt to get the user'sattention. The signal (and corresponding sound stimulus transmitted intothe user's ear) would be generated at the selected level, and then theuser would either register a positive response or not (which could becharacterized as a negative response) depending on whether the userhears the sound stimulus and activates the interface (within areasonable pre-defined timeframe), for example. Based on the user'sresponse, the probability score for each hypothesis would be updated.Typically, for a positive response the probability score would beupdated by multiplying the previous probability score for a hypothesisby the value of the psychometric function; for a negative response, onthe other hand, the probability score for a hypothesis would be updatedby multiplying the previous probability score for a hypothesis by oneminus the value of the psychometric function. This updated probabilitywould be calculated for each hypothesis. The psychometric function (witha resolution of 1 dB between each hypothesis) in this example might bedefined as follows:

${p_{j}(x)} = {\frac{1}{1 + ^{- {({x - {({{- 5} + {({j - 1})}})}})}}}.}$

In such an exemplary formula, x represents the sound stimulus soundpressure level (in dB relative to the threshold value assumed by theprior information) of the test signal and j represents the specifichypothesis (curve) in the series of displaced curve hypotheses (with jcounting from 1, which corresponds to the hypothesis coinciding with athreshold 5 dB below that assumed by the prior information, to 31, whichcorresponds to hypothesis coinciding with 25 dB above that assumed bythe prior information). The most likely hypothesis would then be the onethat has the highest updated probability score, and the estimatedhearing threshold would then be the location on the x-axis correspondingto 50% on the y-axis for this most likely hypothesis (which in thisexample might be defined as −5+(j*−1), in which j* represents thespecific hypothesis with the highest probability score). If the stopcondition (which might be a specific number of iterations, such as 6 forexample) has been reached, then the current estimated hearing thresholdwould become the final estimate of the user's hearing threshold. If thestop condition has not yet been met, then the test sound stimulus levelwould be set to the current estimate of the hearing threshold, and theprocess would continue iteratively until the stop condition is met (anda final estimated hearing threshold is determined). In this way, astatistical approach using the psychometric function could determine anestimated hearing threshold based on user responses to sound stimuliduring an audiometric test for a specific frequency level. This approachcould be used at different frequency levels in different ears to developan audiometric profile that might be used to detect possible damage.

So in one embodiment, any prior information on the user's hearingthreshold for the frequency being tested (such as the results of theprevious test) could be used to set an assumed threshold that may helpfix the testing parameters. For example, A 30 dB sound pressure testwindow of [−5 25] could be used, to set the test parameters about the apriori assumed threshold. If there is no such prior information, thenthe assumed threshold could be set arbitrarily, and might for example beset based on a standard level for non-impaired humans (which might, forexample be based on a minimum audibility curve typically used forcalibrating a full audiometric test, perhaps using 10 dB Hearing Level(dBHL) as the assumed threshold). By iteratively testing at soundpressure increments based on the window parameters, the test proceduremay hone-in on the actual threshold (by varying the sound pressure levelof the test based on the test protocol and the user's responses todetermine an estimate of the actual threshold).

Whenever the user hears a sound stimulus, the user will indicatedetection by activating the user interface within a reasonable timeframeafter generation of the sound stimulus by the speaker, therebyregistering a positive “yes” response/reply (indicating that the userheard the sound stimulus at that sound pressure level). On the otherhand, if the user fails to activate the user interface within areasonable timeframe after generation of the sound stimulus by thespeaker, then this registers as a negative “no” response/reply(indicating that the user did not hear the sound stimulus at that soundpressure level). And in this embodiment, six iterations might typicallybe used, since this typically results in a good level of accuracy in ashort period of time. It is also possible to set upper and lower limitsfor the test sound stimulus. For example, the upper limit for soundstimulus might typically be limited to a safe level that would not belikely to cause any hearing damage (such as about 85-90 dB, forexample). And a lower limit might be set to ensure that the testoperates in a range that is useful for detecting normal levels ofhearing (i.e. the test does not need to detect abnormally sensitivethreshold levels, below 5 dB for example).

It should also be noted that the timeframe for a positive response istypically set based on the standard reaction time of a typical user.Typically, the timeframe should be no less than approximately one second(to allow for adequate reaction time and should be no more thanapproximately 5 seconds (to ensure that the test session is kept shortand that the user will not be as tempted to register false positiveresults). More typically, a timeframe of approximately 1-3 seconds wouldbe used in the embodiment, with approximately 1.5 seconds beingpreferred from the start of the stimulus signal (which typically isabout 0.5 seconds duration). One concern in administering such tests isthat users might fall into a pattern of responses (which could lead tofalse positives, for example) if the timeframe between test signals istoo uniform. To address this concern, it might be possible in oneembodiment to randomize the length of times between sound stimulisignals. Thus, the quiet time between sound stimuli during a testsession (which would typically be greater than or equal to the timeframefor response) could be randomized to intervals between about 1 and about5 seconds, with about 2-3 seconds being more typical. In one embodiment,the pause/quiet time preceding a stimulus sound could be randomized onlyin the instance when the previous stimulus resulted in a positive userresponse, while in the instance that the user did not respond to theprevious stimulus the pause would typically be kept at a standardizedminimum (typically 1.5-2 seconds)

In other words, in some embodiments the pause (quiet time) betweenstimuli would be randomized following positive responses, but would be aset, standardized amount following negative responses (with thestandardized amount following negative responses typically being kept toa minimum duration to shorten the test as much as reasonably possible).And typically, the randomized pause following a positive user responsemight be equal to or greater than the standardized minimum (such thatafter a positive user response, the pause might effectively be arandomized amount, typically between about 0-3 seconds, in addition tothe standardized minimum). This would contribute to break any userresponse patterns, while the test session would still be kept as shortas possible. In one embodiment the standardized minimum pause would bekept at about 2 seconds when the previous stimulus resulted in anegative user response, and a randomized pause between about 2 and about5 seconds in duration would only be used in instances when the previousstimulus resulted in a positive user response.

Another concern is the possibility that the user might fail to respondto a particular sound stimulus, even though they can hear the soundstimulus, due to inattention. This type of error might lead to anestimated hearing threshold that is significantly above the actualthreshold. To correct such possible errors, it might be advisable torepeat the test in an attempt to achieve a more accurate result if toohigh a threshold is detected. So for example, the criteria for retestmight be if the estimated hearing threshold is determined to be morethan about 15-20 dB from the assumed threshold. In such instances, thenthe test could be re-run two additional times (on the assumption thatthe user would be unlikely to be inattentive over multiple tests), withthe closest two test results being averaged to determine the ultimateestimated hearing threshold. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of anexemplary procedure for detecting and addressing possible inattention.

Alternatively, non-statistical approaches could be used to estimate theuser's hearing threshold. In such embodiments, traditional approacheslike staircase methods (up-down methods) or Bekesy's tracking methodcould be used. A staircase method generally uses a series of descendingand ascending trial runs, with turning points (or reversals) whenever adescending run transitions to an ascending run, or vice versa. With thesimple ‘1-down-1-up’ method, the stimulus level is increased for everynegative response and decreased for every positive response. Theincrement step size is typically kept fixed for a run (either up ordown). The test may end when a pre-set number of turning points(typically six to eight) has been reached. The first reversal may bediscarded, with the threshold then typically being calculated as themean of the midpoints of the remaining runs. In some embodiments, betterresults may be achieved with 2-down-1-up or 3-down-1-up approaches, inwhich case the step sizes in the descending runs are larger than thestep sizes in ascending runs (typically doubled or tripled,respectively). In Bekesy's tracking method, the level of the stimulus isautomatically varied at a fixed rate (with a continuous signal ofvarying intensity in which the direction of intensity change may becontrolled by the user's interaction with the user interface), typicallyof about ±2 dB per second. The subject is asked to press a button whenthe stimulus is detectable. Once the button is pressed, the stimuluslevel automatically decreases (at the fixed rate) until the button isreleased, at which time the stimulus level increases (at the fixed rate,so long as the button is not pushed) until the button is once againpressed by the user. So in the Bekesy method, the user effectivelycontrols the direction of change to the intensity level of the soundstimulus signal, while also signaling positive and negative responses(regarding whether they hear the signal at a particular intensity level)that may provide information about their hearing threshold. Typicallyseveral up and down runs are also used in the Bekesy method, and stopcriteria and threshold calculations can be done in a similar manner asfor the staircase methods. Both the staircase and Bekesy methods resultin a zig-zag approach for iteratively honing-in on the hearingthreshold. The following is an exemplary staircase audiometric testingprotocol for reference. For each frequency being tested in thisstaircase method embodiment, the hearing threshold for a user's earwould be determined by honing-in on the lowest sound pressure level thata user can hear (or alternatively, for example, by honing in on thehighest dB level that the user cannot hear). So for example, the testmight begin with a high sound pressure level (which might be setsufficiently high so that it will be easy for even those with somehearing damage to detect, but preferably not so high that it could bedamaging) for the initial test frequency.

By way of example, the test of such an embodiment (employing a2-down-1-up staircase method) could start at approximately 60 dB (withthe electronics unit signaling the speaker to generate a sound stimulusof 60 dB for the frequency being tested). Alternatively, the startingpoint could be a pre-set amount, for example, 30 dB, above the mostrecent test results (so that it factors in a priori information in anattempt to increase accuracy/speed). Whenever the user hears a soundstimulus, the user will indicate detection by activating the userinterface (and if the user does not activate the user interface within areasonable timeframe, then that would register as a negative response).After the user indicates that the sound stimulus has been heard, thesound pressure level of the sound stimulus would then be reducedperiodically until the user no longer detects the sound stimulus (whichis indicated by the failure of the user to activate the user interfacewithin the pre-set timeframe following the generation of the soundstimulus by the speaker). Then the sound pressure level of the soundstimulus may be increased periodically (typically with a smaller stepsize) until the user once again detects the sound stimulus (as indicatedby the user once again activating the user interface in the timeframefollowing sound stimulus). This up and down process may continue untilthe desired number of turning points has been achieved. In this way, theuser's hearing threshold for the tested ear for the tested frequencycould be determined (by incrementally honing-in on the actual thresholdusing a staircase method).

So for example, in such an embodiment the audiometric testing apparatusmight begin with an initial sound stimulus (at the designated testfrequency) of 60 dB, and then periodically lower the sound pressurelevel of the next sound stimulus by 10 dB (such that each succeedingsound stimulus is approximately 10 dB lower than the preceding soundstimulus). In this instance, the succeeding sound stimulus will belowered (as discussed above) so long as the user indicates detectionwithin an appropriate timeframe (typically less than approximately 5seconds) following the tested sound stimulus. This series of reducingsound pressure levels continues until the user does not indicatedetection within the appropriate timeframe (which registers as anegative response, indicating that the user did not hear the soundstimulus). The audiometric testing apparatus may then periodicallyincrease the sound pressure level of the sound stimulus by 5 dB over thepreceding (undetected) sound stimulus level, until the user indicatesdetection (by activating the user interface within the appropriate timeframe). This up and down process would typically be repeated (withseveral runs) until the desired number of turning points is achieved.Then, the estimated threshold could be determined based on averaging themidpoints of several runs. In this way, the embodiment of theaudiometric testing apparatus may determine the user's hearing thresholdat the tested frequency in the tested ear. This entire process could berepeated (optionally over one or more test sessions) for each ear ateach frequency of the audiometric test regimen, in order to generate anaudiometric profile for the user.

Alternative shrinking increment audiometric testing procedures (such asan iterative method in which the increment between sound stimuli becomessmaller over time to provide a more refined way to incrementally hone-inon the hearing threshold) are also possible. For example, a fairly largeincrement could initially be used, with increments then becoming smalleras the process continues, to provide increased granularity (and in oneembodiment of such a shrinking increment method, each increment might behalf of the previous increment). Typically, for each positive responsethe next sound stimulus might be set at a level that is an incrementbelow the previous sound stimulus level, and for each negative responsethe next sound stimulus might be set at an increment above the previoussound stimulus level. The stop condition for such a method might then bea predefined number of iterations (typically between five to ten), apre-set number of up and down runs, or a sufficiently small incrementbetween sound stimuli (with the estimated hearing threshold then beingdetermined by averaging the midpoint of runs or based on the lowestpositive result, for example). FIG. 11 illustrates broadly an embodimentof such a shrinking increment audiometric testing process, with FIG. 12providing more details regarding such an iterative testing procedure forthis embodiment. Regardless of the specific iterative testing methodused in a specific embodiment, the starting point, size of increments,changes to increment size, number of iterations and/or stopping criteriafor honing-in on the user's hearing threshold can be varied depending onspecific testing needs. While the embodiments described above may bepreferred as a blend of speed and accuracy, it should be understood thatmany alternative embodiments are possible and are intended to beincluded within the scope of this disclosure.

Regardless of the testing procedure/protocol, the audiometric testingapparatus might for example be programmed to develop a partial useraudiometric profile by testing only at 3, 4, and 6 kHz. This testingwould usually be performed over a series of test sessions, however, andeach test session would only partially test the pre-set range. So inthis specific example, only one ear will be tested for only one of thedesignated test frequencies making up the partial user audiometricprofile each test session (and so it will take 6 test sessions tocompile the entire partial user audiometric profile). The first testsession of this example might then test the right ear at 3 kHz. The next(second) test session, the user might be tested at 3 kHz in the otherear, and then the user might be tested at the next (third) session at 4kHz for the right ear, and then at 4 kHz for the left ear in the next(fourth) session, and then at 6 kHz in the right ear in the next (fifth)session, and finally 6 kHz in the left ear in the next (sixth) session.That way, after 6 test sessions, an entire user (partial) profile wouldbe generated. Typically then, the testing series might restart with thenext session (at 3 kHz for the right ear). By collecting this test dataregarding the user's hearing threshold (and audiometric profile) overtime, it may be possible to detect hearing damage by comparing testresults over time.

The test protocol regarding which frequency to test in which ear foreach session and/or the specific series of sound stimuli to generate fora test session would typically be stored in the electronics unit of theaudiometric testing apparatus. Alternatively, the test protocol could bestored in an external storage medium that may be accessed and read bythe electronics unit, or it could even be stored on an outside computer,with the electronics unit communicating with the computer for direction.And the results of the test (i.e. the user's hearing threshold) may bestored within the electronics unit, stored on external storage media, ortransmitted to a separate computer that may store and analyze the data.In an embodiment, the electronics unit stores the test results for oneor more sessions, with this information then transmitted periodically oroccasionally to a computer for storage and possible analysis.

In an embodiment, the electronics unit might include an interface foruploading the test results to a separate computer system. The interfacecould be either wired or wireless. By way of example, a wirelessinterface with a limited range might be used, such that the user couldupload the information to the computer system by passing the electronicsunit in proximity to a reader/sensor associated with the computersystem. If the sensor is located near an exit (such as a gate) from thework area, this might allow uploading automatically as the user exitsthe work area while the user is wearing the device. Alternatively, theuser could be required to place the electronics unit in close proximityto the sensor (for example, swiping the electronics unit over thesensor). In another embodiment, the data could be transferred at greaterdistance, using cell wireless technology for example.

In yet another embodiment, the electronics unit could be pluggeddirectly into a base unit that is connected to the computer system,allowing for uploading through a direct physical connection. If thisapproach is used, the base unit might be configured with slots for eachelectronics unit assigned to personnel in the work area. Then, eachworker could house their electronics unit in the appropriate slot duringtheir off time (when they are not in the work area that requires hearingprotection), allowing for uploading of data overnight, for example. Insuch an embodiment, the electronics unit might optionally also berecharged while plugged in. In another embodiment, the electronics unitcould have removable storage media (such as a data card or memory stick,for example). The removable storage media could either serve as the solememory storage for the test results in the electronics unit, or theelectronics unit could have internal memory storage that is permanentlyaffixed, along with a port that allows for download and or copying ofthe information from this internal memory storage to an externalremovable storage media device (such as a data card or memory stick).Regardless, in an embodiment with removable memory storage media, thetest data could be uploaded by removing the removable storage media(once the data has been transferred to it) and plugging it into a portor reader/scanner associated with the external computer system.

Once the data has been uploaded to the external computer, it may beanalyzed over time to screen for possible early detection of temporaryhearing loss (although in other embodiments, this analysis could beperformed by the electronics unit itself). Typically, such a screeningwould be accomplished by comparing the current test results to earliertest results, looking for significant change or shift in the hearingthreshold or a hearing threshold that is above a certain, pre-definedlevel (pre-determined to represent likely hearing damage or risk ofdamage). This screening could be performed initially by the computer inan automated fashion, in order to flag any users and/or entries ofconcern for further review by expert personnel. Alternatively, theresults could be transmitted for review directly by expert personnel foranalysis. Typically, if an initial determination of concern is madebased on the estimated hearing threshold test results from the currentdevice, then more thorough follow-up audiometric tests might beperformed on the user (typically a full assessment by an audiologist,for example).

While any type of sound stimulus might be used during testing (so longas it represents approximately the required frequency and sound pressurelevel), more typically the sound stimulus would be pure tone.Alternatively, the sound stimulus could be a chirp. A chirp soundstimulus may be easier to detect in the presence of background noise,which would allow for more effective testing within the workplaceenvironment. In an embodiment, the chirp might last approximately 100 to500 milliseconds, varying in frequency slightly over that interval. Sofor example, a chirp for testing the frequency of 3 kHz might actuallyvary between approximately 2.7 and approximately 3.4 kHz over thedesignated time interval (although any range of frequency values at ornear the target frequency could be used to achieve an approximation ofthe actual target frequency). And in one embodiment, the chirp wouldvary frequency towards the higher frequency (starting near the low endof the range and ending near the high end of the range). Alternatively,the frequency variation could change (for example, varying first upwardtowards the higher end of the frequency range and then varying downwardtowards the lower end of the range). The pattern of frequency variationfor a chirp has many possible variants, all of which are intended to beincluded within the scope of this disclosure.

Embodiments of the device might typically comprise a sealing section(for preventing noise from reaching the user's eardrum), such as ahearing protection device; a loudspeaker or other sound generator forproducing the sound stimuli for the audiometric tests; and anelectronics unit for generating the test signal that is fed to theloudspeaker (which might be configured or programmed with the testprotocol, and/or which might include memory storage that contains thetest protocol) and comprising a user interface for controlling the test(such as activating the test procedure, by way of example) and/orreceiving/registering user responses (such that when the user activatesthe user interface, the electronics unit is able to determine if it is apositive or negative response, with a signal being sent to the memory),a memory for storing responses and/or test results, and optionally aninterface for uploading the test results to an external computer system.In more advanced models designed to allow for measurement of actualnoise exposure at the user's eardrum (by incorporating inward facingmicrophone elements that may be useful in determining if the backgroundnoise penetration is too high for an effective test, if the user hasbeen exposed to potentially damaging noise levels that might warrant animmediate and/or more thorough test, and/or to verify the validity ofthe stimulus signal, by way of non-exclusive example), embodiments ofthe device might also include a microphone for monitoring sound incidentupon the eardrum (i.e. underneath the hearing protection device) andsignaling the electronics unit, and the electronics unit might furthercomprise memory for storing exposure data (from the microphone) whilealso being configured to assess noise exposure based on the signal fromthe microphone. If the electronics unit determines that the innermicrophone detects a possibly damaging noise level, it may automaticallyadminister a hearing test session. The electronics unit could optionallyanalyze the noise exposure data to determine the specific frequency (orfrequencies) of most concern, and then administer a test session relatedto one or more of these frequencies. Similarly, such devices could beconfigured to check for sound leakage (i.e. leakage control) due toimproperly installed hearing protection by, for example, generating anacoustic measurement signal using the loudspeaker, detecting the signalpicked up by the internal microphone, and comparing the signal beingpicked up to stored results corresponding to a good seal. Oralternatively, such devices could be configured to use the internalmicrophone to verify the validity of the stimulus signal generated bythe speaker (by comparing the detected signal to a standard forfrequency and/or volume) to ensure that the loudspeaker is operatingcorrectly. Doing so might allow for measurement and/or control of thestimulus signal level parameter and/or the stimulus signal-to-noise anddistortion ratio.

Advanced models of the device might also include an outer microphone fordetecting external sounds, which might allow for feed-through ofexternal sounds at safe (filtered) levels to improve communicationduring a work shift (by allowing some verbal communication despite theuse of hearing protection). For example, this might provide atalk-through feature, allowing the user to communicate more freely whilestill being protected from potentially damaging external noise levels.Typically, this type of feed-through/talk-through feature would bedeactivated or overridden during audiometric testing (since it couldinterfere with the accuracy of the testing in determining the hearingthreshold). Such devices could also be configured for optional activenoise reduction (for example, in addition to passive noise reductionprovided by the sealing section/hearing protection device), by using theouter microphone to detect external sounds and/or the inner microphoneto detect sound at the eardrum, processing the detected sound to providea signal for active noise cancellation, and using the loudspeaker togenerate the acoustic cancellation signal. And advanced models of thedevice might also include a communication assembly (capable of receivingand/or transmitting communication signals, such as wireless signals)that transmits incoming communication and/or entertainment signals tothe loudspeaker for playback within the user's ear (under the hearingprotection). Again, this communication/entertainment feature wouldtypically be deactivated/overridden during audiometric testing. U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,567,524; 6,661,901; 7,039,195; and 6,754,359 (owned by theassignee of the present application) may provide some additional detailsregarding possible additional features, and they are hereby incorporatedby reference to the degree that they are not inconsistent with theinformation specifically set forth herein. All of such advanced modelfeatures are intended to be optional, and any or all such features mightbe included (or excluded) from any specific device, perhaps along withother optional features.

Turning now to specific embodiments of the device, FIG. 1 illustrates across-section of a hearing protection device, along with an exemplaryaudiometric testing apparatus. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thehearing protection device may be a cylindrical or bullet-shaped foamearplug 20. The earplug 20 in FIG. 1 has a sound generator 22, such as aspeaker, mounted in the proximal (inner) tip (i.e. the end designed tobe inserted into the user's ear canal and to be closest to the user'sear drum). The embodiment of FIG. 1 also has an electronics unit 24located external to the hearing protection device. Typically, theelectronics unit 24 would be worn clipped or attached to the user'sclothing, or it could be worn from a lanyard. In the embodiment of FIG.1, the external electronics unit 24 would be in electrical communicationwith the speaker 22, so that the electronics unit may supply signals tothe sound generator 22. In FIG. 1, the electronics unit 24 iselectrically coupled to the speaker by a cable 25, a jack or terminal26, and a wire 27. The wire 27 runs the length of the earplug 20 andconnects the speaker 22 to the jack 26, allowing the speaker to receiveexternal electrical signals even while the earplug 20 is inserted intothe user's ear. The jack 26 is an optional feature that allows forconnection of a removable cable or wire 25 to the internal wire 27within the earplug (leading to the speaker). If no jack 26 is used, thenthe wire 27 would extend out to connect to the external electronics unitdirectly (i.e. the cable and the wire would be integrated). Thiselectronic coupling allows the electronics unit 24 to transmitelectrical signals to the speaker, directing/causing the speaker 22 togenerate sound stimulus at one or more frequencies in order to implementan audiometric test.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing of the electronics unitalso contains the user interface 28, which serves to allow the user tosignal during the audiometric test when sound stimulus is detected. Inthis embodiment, the user interface 28 is a push button, although anysort of electrical communication device could alternatively be used (forexample a microphone for voice activation based on speech/audiorecognition or a touch sensitive screen could be alternatives). And somevariants of the embodiment of FIG. 1 also optionally include a dosimeterfunction, having a microphone located in the proximal (inner) tip of theearplug 20 near the speaker 22 that can detect the sound level within auser's ear canal when the earplug is in place for analysis by theelectronics unit (which in its dosimeter role also determines if adangerous level of sound impinges on the user's ear). If a dangerouslevel of sound is penetrating the hearing protection device, then theelectronics unit may signal the user via an optional visual warningdevice 29, indicating that the user may wish to take protective steps,remove themselves from the noise environment, and/or run an audiometrictest to see if there has been any hearing loss. Alternatively, theelectronics unit might automatically administer an audiometric test(which might focus on detected frequencies of concern). Or if thebackground level of noise is too high for effective audiometric testing,the electronics unit might signal the user (and perhaps preventinitiation of a test session). Alternatively, the user could be warnedof the dangerous noise levels using the speaker.

In practice, the embodiment of FIG. 1 typically employs a pair ofhearing protection devices attached to the electronics unit, to providehearing protection for both ears. The user inserts the earplugs 20 intoboth ears to seal the ear canal (providing passive hearing protection).The user would generally wear the earplugs for some duration greaterthan the length of the test, typically wearing them for substantiallythe entire duration of exposure to a noise environment (such asthroughout a shift). Typically, the earplugs are foam, and typically thematerial provides passive sound attenuation to protect the user frompotentially damaging noise environments. Examples of foam that might beused are polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. Alternatively, personalmoulds could be used. So for example, the earplugs might provideprotection in a range from about 15 to 35 dB NRR, and more preferablymight provide hearing protection of about 28 NRR or more. When the userwishes to initiate an audiometric test, the electronics unit wouldtransmit one or more signals to the sound generator (while the earplugsare still inserted in the user's ear canal), running the audiometrictest. In response to the signal(s) from the electronics unit, the soundgenerator would generate one or more sound stimulus, creating a soundfield in the user's meatus to implement the audiometric test. If theuser is able to hear the sound stimulus generated by the soundgenerator, then the user would activate the user interface to register apositive response (thereby signaling the electronics unit that the soundstimulus was detected). If the user is unable to hear the soundstimulus, then the user would not activate the user interface within thedesignated timeframe, registering as a negative response (indicatingthat the user was unable to hear the sound stimulus). The electronicsunit would record the response (typically on some memory storagemedium), and may also use the response to adjust the sound stimuluslevel based on the feedback from the user. Then the electronics unitmight generate another signal to the sound generator to furtherimplement the audiometric test in an iterative fashion. FIG. 4 issimilar in function, but employs a different sort of sound sealingelement with flanges (allowing for press-in insertion, for example).

FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 are also similar in function, but have the electronicsunit integrally formed with the hearing protection device to form anin-ear unit (with the entire device either all or mostly located withinthe user's ear). These figures employ a sound tube or channel 30 whichprovides access to the ear canal through part or all of the hearingprotection (sound sealing element) so that the speaker may generate thenecessary sound stimulus for testing in the ear canal (with FIG. 2 alsohaving an electrical connection (such as a wire) from the speaker to theelectronics unit).

The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 illustrates an earpiece variant of thedevice, which may be used with an external electronics unit (while alsoshowing how the earpiece relates to the user's ear when in position).This device comprises an earpiece housing 101, which contains aloudspeaker 103, an inner microphone 105, and an outer microphone 107.Extending from the housing is an insert portion 110, which is designedto be inserted into an ear canal. The insert portion 110 includes asealing element 112 that forms a secure fit within the user's ear canalto passively block sound infiltration into the user's eardrum, servingas a passive attenuation hearing protection device. Additionally, thereis a sound tube 114 that leads from the speaker's face, through thesealing section of the insert portion, and to the ear canal. Sound tube114 directs the sound stimulus produced by the speaker 103 into theuser's ear canal (so that it is incident upon the user's eardrum). Soundtube 115 leads from the inner microphone's face 105, through the sealingsection of the insert portion, and to the ear canal. Sound tube 115allows for the inner microphone 105 to detect noise levels within theuser's ear canal (i.e. the sound incident upon the user's eardrum). Inother words, the microphone might be directed towards the meatus. Soundtube 116 leads from the outer microphone 107, through the housing 101,to open to the outside world, allowing the outer microphone 107 todetect external noise. It should be understood that sound tubes may notbe required in embodiments in which the microphone and/or speakerelements can be mounted directly on the appropriate face of the device.

Wire 118 of FIG. 14 connects the earpiece to an external electronicsunit. The external electronics unit would typically include a userinterface, storage memory with the audiometric testingprotocol/procedures, and storage memory for the user's responses duringthe test and the test results, and would be configured to run theaudiometric test (by for example generating sound stimulus signals todirect the speaker 103 to generate sound stimulus within the user's ear,recording responses, iteratively modifying the sound stimulus levelbased on user responses, determining the estimated hearing threshold,and remembering which frequency to test for a given test session).Optionally, the electronics unit may also filter the external sounddetected by the outer microphone (by filtering the signal to ensure thatsounds are only reproduced at a safe level) and direct the speaker 103to generate the filtered sounds within the user's ear (thereby allowingspeak-through capabilities). The electronics unit of this embodimentwould automatically deactivate this feature, however, during audiometrictesting. Another optional feature of this device might be an assessmentof noise exposure. The electronics unit would then be configured toassess noise exposure based on the signal from the inner microphone 105,and store noise exposure data on memory. And the electronics unit mightalso optionally have an interface for uploading of information from thememory/storage to an external computer system.

The embodiment of FIG. 15 shows a complete all-in-ear device withcapabilities for passive sound attenuation, active sound attenuation,noise exposure monitoring, leakage control, talk-through, andcommunication/entertainment, featuring passive sealing, electro-acoustictransducers, and electric circuitry. The ear terminal of FIG. 15comprises an outer section arranged for sitting adjacent to the outwardfacing portion of the sealing section and a part of the inward facingportion of the outer section is formed to fit the concha around theouter portion of the meatus. External sounds are attenuated by thesealing section (typically in the form of an earplug), inserted into theouter part of the ear canal or meatus. Optionally, external sounds mayalso be attenuated using active noise control, which is achieved byusing one or two microphones M1 (an outer microphone), M2 (an innermicrophone) and a loudspeaker SG together with electronic circuits in anelectronics unit 211 mounted in the device. Algorithms for active noisecontrol are generally known and thus will not be described in detailherein, but may include active noise cancelling feedback of acousticsignals converted by at least one of the microphones through theloudspeaker SG.

The ear terminal of FIG. 15 comprises a main section 201 containing twomicrophones M1,M2 and a loudspeaker SG. The main section 201 is designedto provide comfortable and secure placement in the concha. A sealingsection 202 is attached to the main section. The sealing section 202 maybe an integral part of the ear terminal, or it may beremovable/interchangeable. The sound inlet of the outer microphone M1 isconnected to the outside of the ear terminal, picking up externalsounds. Inner microphone M2 is connected to the inner portion of themeatus by means of an acoustic transmission channel T1. The sound outletof the loudspeaker SG is open to the inner portion of the meatus bymeans of another acoustic transmission channel T2 between theloudspeaker SG and the inward facing portion of the sealing section. Itshould be understood that when smaller microphones and speakers areavailable, it may be possible to mount inner microphone M2 and speakerSG directly at the innermost part of the sealing section 202, such thatthere would be no need for transmission channels.

The two microphones and the loudspeaker are connected to an electronicsunit 211, which may optionally be connected to other equipment by aninterface 213 that may transmit digital and/or analog signals, and alsopossibly power. The electronics and optionally a power supply 212 (suchas a battery) may be included in main section or in a separate section.The main section of the ear terminal may be made of standard polymermaterials of the sort that are used for hearing aids, for example. Thesealing section may be made of a resilient, slowly re-expanding shaperetaining polymer foam like PVC, PUR or other materials suitable forearplugs and other hearing protection devices. The channels may also bemade of polymer wall material (or some other non-conforming material) inorder to prevent their collapse when the sealing section is insertedinto the meatus.

The electronics unit 211 may comprise electric circuitry as shown inFIG. 16, which may be configured and/or programmed to achieve severalpossible functions. By way of example, in an embodiment the outermicrophone M1 may pick up ambient (external) sound. A signal from theouter microphone M1 may be amplified in E1 and sampled and digitized inan analog-to-digital converter E2 and then fed to a processing unit E3that may be a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, or acombination of the two. A signal from the inner microphone M2, whichpicks up sound in the meatus between the sealing section and theeardrum, may be amplified in amplifier E4 and sampled and digitized inthe analog-to-digital converter E5 and fed to the processing unit E3. Adesired digital signal is generated in the processing unit E3. Thissignal is converted to analog form in the digital-to-analog converter E7and fed to the analog output amplifier E6 that drives the loudspeakerSG. The sound signal produced by the loudspeaker SG is fed to theeardrum (tympanum) via channel T2 as described above.

The processing unit E3 in this embodiment is connected to memoryelements such as flash memory E13, RAM (random access memory) E8, ROM(read only memory) E9, and EEPROM (electronically erasable programmableread only memory) E10. The memories E8, E9, E10, and E13 are used forstoring computer programs, filter coefficients, test responses, testresults, noise exposure data, analysis data, and/or other relevant data.The electronic circuitry may be connected to other electrical units viainterface E12 (which may be via cable or wireless through a digitalradio link, such as Bluetooth standard). A manual control signal may begenerated in E11 and fed to the processing unit E3. The control signalmay be generated using a user interface with buttons, switches, etc. andmay be used to turn the unit on and off, to change operation mode, tosignal responses, etc. In an alternative embodiment, a predeterminedvoice signal may serve as control signal. The electric circuitry ispowered by power supply 212 that may be a primary or rechargeablebattery arranged in the ear terminal or in a separate unit, or may be anelectrical power connection.

Audiometric testing may be attained by using the loudspeaker SG togenerate sound stimulus in the meatus according to an audiometricprogram or protocol. Specifically, upon activation (which may be by theuser via the user interface) the processor may access the test protocolfrom memory storage E10 (along with perhaps the recorded data indicatingwhich portion of the series of tests will be run this session) anddirect an initial signal which may be D/A converted, amplified, and fedto the loudspeaker SG. The processor may then receive a response fromthe user interface (such as manual control E11) and record the responseto memory (such as E8). Based on the response, the processor may modifythe sound stimulus signal for the next iteration and continue followingthis iterative process according to the protocol. Once the test sessionis complete according to the protocol, the processor may analyze thestored response results and generate an estimated hearing threshold,which may then be recorded to memory storage (E10). The processor mayalso transmit some or all of this data to an external computer viainterface E12.

Noise exposure monitoring in this embodiment may be attained by usingthe inner microphone M2 to detect sound levels in the meatus (even whilethe ear is already protected). The signal from the inner microphone M2is amplified, A/D converted, and analyzed in DSP or microprocessor E3 asdescribed above. The result of the analysis is compared to damage riskcriteria (stored in memory), and the user may be warned (visually oraudibly) whenever certain limits are exceeded (perhaps with arecommendation for initiation of audiometric testing to assess anydamage). The signal and/or analysis may also be stored in memory.Additionally, the processor may compare the analyzed signal to criteriato determine if background noise is too high for effective audiometrictesting (and may then warn the user or block testing).

Leakage control in this embodiment (i.e. assessing whether the sealingsection is effectively in place and operating to seal the user's ear)may be attained by injecting a pre-set acoustic measurement signal intothe meatus using the loudspeaker SG, detecting the signal using theinner microphone M2, and analyzing the signal detected by the innermicrophone M2 using the electronics unit 211 (which typically comparesthe incoming detected signal to a baseline stored in memory to determineif they are sufficiently similar to indicate proper sealing of the earcanal). The baseline is usually determined from previous measurements ina situation with good sealing conditions. This process uses the factthat a sound field locally generated in the cavity near the eardrum isinfluenced by leakage in the hearing protection (such that the transferfunction from the input of the loudspeaker SG to the output of the innermicrophone M2 is altered if the hearing protection/sealing section isnot properly inserted and working effectively). The user may then bewarned (visually or audibly, for example) if leakage is unacceptablyhigh. Additionally, it may be possible to attain otherfunctions/features (such as talk-through, communication/entertainmentaudio input by way of non-exclusive example, based on the configurationand/or programming of the processor.

The present disclosure concerns a method of (preliminarily) screeningfor hearing loss in the workplace (without removing hearing protectionbeing worn to protect against noise exposure in the workplace andwithout unduly interfering with work schedule). Conceptually, the ideais to employ a hearing protection device (for wearing in potentiallydamaging noise environments) that incorporates audiometric testing. Morespecifically, the method seeks to encourage frequent self-testing (asopposed to the current model of testing, which uses full audiometrictesting in a controlled environment by audiologists, perhaps on a yearlybasis), in order to more quickly identify potential hearing loss (as away of screening to prevent or minimize permanent hearing loss). To beeffective, however, the frequent self-tests cannot be too long or theywill be inconvenient and intrusive to the work schedule, which wouldhamper implementation and likely lead to poor follow-through. To thatend, the method may attempt to allow for testing without removinghearing protection (typically worn throughout the work shift to protectagainst exposure to potentially damaging noise levels in the workenvironment), allowing for convenient self-testing on site without theneed to involve outside personnel and/or to take the user out of thework environment to the type of controlled environment typicallyrequired for full audiometric testing. Additionally, the tests sessionsmay be kept short, typically no more than a minute, in order toencourage compliance. To accomplish this, embodiments may utilize aseries of partial test sessions. So the hope is that using the disclosedhearing protection device with integrated audiometric testing will leadto improved screening and early identification of potential hearingdamage (which may in turn allow for more effective corrective action tobe taken).

An embodiment of such a method comprises the steps of: sealing theuser's ear canal (for example, by applying a hearing protection deviceto protect the user from potentially damaging external noise, with thehearing protection device substantially worn for the duration of theexposure to the potentially damaging noise, for example the work shift)while the user is in an environment with potential noise exposure (suchthat the sealing lasts longer than the duration of the audiometric testsession, and typically is substantially as long as the external noiseexposure, for example the duration of a shift); activating anaudiometric test without removing the hearing protection device (whichis typically made possible by using a HPD with integrated audiometrictesting, as disclosed above); and determining an estimated hearingthreshold based on the audiometric test. As described above, theaudiometric test may be a partial test session (testing only a portionof the audiometric profile to be determined according to the testprotocol), and a series of partial test sessions may be run (typicallywith only one session per shift or day) and compiled over time todetermine the user's estimated audiometric profile (by combining anentire series of test sessions to cover all frequency levels that are tobe tested for the audiometric profile). Typically, the hearingprotection device would be worn by the user substantially the entiretime the user is in an environment of potential noise exposure, and theuser may self-initiate a test session without removing the hearingprotection, thereby allowing for testing while on the work site.

Another possible concern is that the audiometric test could lead toerroneous results due to user inattention. If a user misses a soundstimulus (i.e. does not respond within the timeframe) that they shouldhave heard if they were paying full attention, it may skew the results.Thus, the method may also optionally check for signs of inattention. Byway of example, inattention may be suspected if the final result of thetest (i.e. estimated hearing threshold) is significantly above theassumed hearing threshold (for example, more than 20 or 25 dB above theassumed threshold), or alternatively if the hearing threshold is above acertain pre-set level. If possible inattention is detected, oneembodiment might repeat the suspect test session two or more times, thenpossibly throw out the test result(s) that deviates the most, andaverage the remaining test results to provide a more accurate estimatedthreshold.

The noise level may also be measured and/or recorded. Optionally, thenoise level may then be used to determine if conditions are appropriatefor an audiometric test (i.e. checking to ensure that the backgroundnoise level is not too high for effective testing). If noise conditionsare too loud, then the user may be warned, or the audiometric test maybe disabled. The noise exposure level might also be used to warn theuser of a potentially damaging exposure, which might recommend immediatetesting to determine the likelihood of damage. Additionally, the qualityof the seal provided by the hearing protection device may be checked.This might be accomplished by generating a pre-determined sound stimulusin the user's ear canal (underneath the hearing protection device),measuring the transfer from the input of the loudspeaker SG to theoutput of the inner microphone M2, and comparing the transfer functionto criteria corresponding to an adequate seal. If the seal isinadequate, the user might then be warned.

The audiometric test may comprise generation of a series of soundstimuli, registering/recording user responses, and analyzing theresponses to determine an estimated hearing threshold. As describedabove, the series of sound stimuli may be iteratively adjusted based onthe user responses to hone-in on the hearing threshold. It is alsopossible that the audiometric testing could be performed even in loudenvironments that are not sufficiently attenuated by the hearingprotection device by using additional sound attenuation (such as activenoise reduction and/or passive noise reduction earmuffs over theearplug-type hearing protection device). By doubling-up on noisereduction measures, it may be possible to sufficiently reduce thebackground noise level getting through to the user's ear canal to allowfor testing at a noisy site. Again, measurement of the noise exposurelevel may be useful in determining the effectiveness of noise reductionmeasures. Alternatively, the user may change locations within the worksite (to a location with less background noise) to provide conditionsfavorable to testing. For example, the user might go to a soundisolating chamber set up on site to initiate the self-test. Thesetechniques could also be used in conjunction, if necessary, with thenoise exposure measurement possibly providing guidance.

It may also be useful in some embodiments to pre-test the user's hearing(typically using a detailed audiometric test performed by trainedaudiologists) to provide a benchmark for analysis of hearing damage.This type of outside information may be used as an assumed hearingthreshold (which might be used to determine a starting sound stimuluslevel for testing based on such a priori information), and might also beused as a point of comparison when evaluating changes to the user'shearing threshold to detect possible hearing damage. Once testing isbeing performed on an on-going basis, the prior results can serve assuch a benchmark and/or assumed hearing threshold for succeeding tests.And as discussed above, it might also be useful in some instances toupload the test results (such as estimated hearing threshold) to anexternal computer, allowing for analysis of potential hearing loss (bylooking for changes to the hearing threshold over time, typically bycomparing the current estimated hearing threshold to previous results).Alternatively, the analysis could be performed by the electronics unit.Such analysis might be automated (based on pre-set criteria), or itmight be performed by transmitting the data to a specialist for review.If this preliminary screening indicates possible hearing damage, thenthe user might be warned and/or undergo more thorough audiometrictesting. Such methods are designed for protecting a user's hearingduring a work shift and performing a quick screening for potentialhearing loss without unduly interfering with work using a hearingprotection device with integrated audiometric testing. Thus, the use ofa hearing protection device with integrated audiometric testing, asdescribed above, may provide many advantages in more quickly detectingpotential hearing loss, hopefully at an early enough stage to prevent orminimize permanent hearing loss.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may bemade by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and theteachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein arerepresentative only and are not intended to be limiting. Manyvariations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are withinthe scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result fromcombining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s)are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope ofprotection is not limited by the description set out above, but isdefined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalentsof the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim isincorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claimsare embodiment(s) of the present invention(s). Furthermore, anyadvantages and features described above may relate to specificembodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claimsto processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the aboveadvantages or having any or all of the above features.

Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided forconsistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwiseprovide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit orcharacterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue fromthis disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although theheadings might refer to a “Field of Invention,” for example, the claimsshould not be limited by the language chosen under this heading todescribe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology inthe “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that certaintechnology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neitheris the “Summary” to be considered as a limiting characterization of theinvention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference inthis disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used toargue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure.Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of themultiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claimsaccordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that areprotected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall beconsidered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but shouldnot be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should beunderstood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of,consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of theterm “optionally,” “may,” “might,” “possibly,” and the like with respectto any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required,or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives beingwithin the scope of the embodiment(s). Also, references to examples aremerely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to beexclusive. Reference in the disclosure to inner or outer may be made forpurposes of description, with “out” or “outer” typically meaning awayfrom the user's eardrum, and “in” or “inner” typically meaning towardsthe user's eardrum.

1. A method of preliminarily screening for hearing loss of a user in theworkplace, comprising the steps of: sealing the user's ear canal duringexposure to a potentially damaging external noise environment byapplying a hearing protection device; measuring the noise level withinthe sealed ear canal; activating an automated audiometric test sessionwithout removing the hearing protection device; and determining anestimated hearing threshold based on the audiometric test session;wherein the hearing protection device is worn by the user for a periodof time that is substantially greater than the duration of theaudiometric test session; wherein determining an estimated hearingthreshold based on the audiometric test session comprises: transmittinga series of sound stimuli into the user's ear canal; registering userresponses for each sound stimuli; and analyzing user responses todetermine an estimated hearing threshold; wherein the sound stimuli areincrementally adjusted based on user responses in order to iterativelyhone-in on the hearing threshold; and wherein analyzing user responsesto determine an estimated hearing threshold uses a statistical model,and the statistical model comprises the psychometric function.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the series of sound stimuli are each separatedby a pause, and wherein the duration of the pause is a standardizedminimum following a negative user response, but the duration of thepause includes a randomized amount between about 0-3 seconds in additionto the standardized minimum following a positive user response.
 3. Adevice comprising: a sealing section for providing sound attenuation toprotect a user's ears from potentially damaging external sounds andconfigured to be worn comfortably for a duration that substantiallyexceeds that of the audiometric test; a sound generation means operableto produce sound stimuli at various frequencies and sound pressurelevels; and an electronics unit configured to be operable to generateone or more test signals directed to the sound generator means in orderto cause generation of sound stimuli for an audiometric test.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3 wherein the electronics unit implements a pattern ofpartial test sessions that, when collated over time, results in anaudiometric profile; and wherein the audiometric profile is a partialprofile comprising about 3 kHz, about 4 kHz, and about 6 kHz, so that bycompiling six partial test sessions the partial profile is constructedfor the user.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein each partial test sessiontests only a single ear at a single frequency; and wherein each partialtest session comprises between 5 to 10 sound stimuli.
 6. The device ofclaim 4 wherein each partial test session iteratively hones-in on theuser's hearing threshold.
 7. The device of claim 3 wherein theaudiometric test comprises an iterative series of sound stimuli for eachfrequency being tested at various sound pressure levels; and wherein theiterative series of sound stimuli would be altered based on userresponses.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the audiometric testcomprises a statistical model to estimate the user's hearing threshold.9. The device of claim 8 wherein the statistical model comprises apsychometric function.
 10. The device of claim 3 further comprising amicrophone for detecting noise levels in the user's ear canal under thesealing section, wherein the electronics unit analyzes the noise leveldetected by the microphone and warns the user whenever that noise levelis too high for audiometric testing.
 11. A method for preliminarilyscreening for hearing loss of a user comprising: sealing the user's earcanal during exposure to a potentially damaging external noiseenvironment by applying a hearing protection device; and running anautomated audiometric test session without removing the hearingprotection device to determine the user's hearing threshold; wherein thehearing protection device is worn by the user for a period of timesubstantially greater than the duration of the audiometric test session.12. The method of claim 11 wherein the audiometric test session relatesto a single frequency in a single ear of the user.
 13. The method ofclaim 11 wherein running the audiometric test session comprises:transmitting a series of sound stimuli at a single frequency but varyingsound pressure levels into the user's ear canal; registering the user'sresponse for each sound stimuli; and analyzing the user responses todetermine an estimated hearing threshold.
 14. The method of claim 13wherein analyzing user responses to determine an estimated hearingthreshold uses a statistical model.
 15. The method of claim 13 whereinthe series of sound stimuli are each separated by a pause; and whereinthe duration of the pause is a standardized minimum following a negativeuser response, but the duration of the pause is a randomized amount atleast as long as the standardized minimum following a positive userresponse.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the sound stimuli areadjusted based on user responses to iteratively hone-in on thethreshold.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein running the audiometrictest session comprises: transmitting a first sound stimulus into theuser's ear canal at an initial stimulus level; registering the user'sresponse to the initial sound stimulus level; determining a second soundstimulus level based on the user's response; and transmitting a secondsound stimulus into the user's ear canal at the second sound stimuluslevel.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein determining a second soundstimulus level comprises updating probability scores for psychometricfunction hypotheses.
 19. The method of claim 13 further comprisingrunning a series of audiometric test sessions, wherein each audiometrictest session is a partial test session; the method further comprisingcompiling user responses from the series of partial test sessions overtime to create an audiometric profile; wherein the audiometric profileis a partial profile; and wherein the partial profile tests a range offrequencies from about 3-6 kHz.
 20. The method of claim 11 furthercomprising employing a second hearing protection device only for theapproximate duration of the test session.